Systems and Methods For Deploying Warning Devices From an Autonomous Vehicle

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are directed to deploying warning devices by an autonomous vehicle. In one example, a system includes one or more processors and memory including instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include obtaining data indicating that a vehicle stop maneuver is to be implemented for an autonomous vehicle. The operations further include determining whether one or more warning devices should be dispensed from the autonomous vehicle during the vehicle stop maneuver based in part on the obtained data. The operations further include, in response to determining one or more warning devices should be dispensed from the autonomous vehicle, determining a dispensing maneuver for the one or more warning devices, and providing one or more command signals to one or more vehicle systems to perform the dispensing maneuver for the one or more warning devices.

The present application is based on and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application 62/617,409 having a filing date of Jan. 15,2018, which is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to operation of an autonomousvehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to systemsand methods that provide for deploying warning devices by an autonomousvehicle.

BACKGROUND

An autonomous vehicle is a vehicle that is capable of sensing itsenvironment and navigating with little to no human input. In particular,an autonomous vehicle can observe its surrounding environment using avariety of sensors and can attempt to comprehend the environment byperforming various processing techniques on data collected by thesensors. This can allow an autonomous vehicle to navigate without humanintervention and, in some cases, even omit the use of a human driveraltogether.

SUMMARY

Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will beset forth in part in the following description, or can be learned fromthe description, or can be learned through practice of the embodiments.

One example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a system.The system includes one or more processors and one or more memoriesincluding instructions that, when executed by the one or moreprocessors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. Theoperations include obtaining data indicating that a vehicle stopmaneuver is to be implemented for an autonomous vehicle. The operationsfurther include determining whether one or more warning devices shouldbe dispensed from the autonomous vehicle during the vehicle stopmaneuver based in part on the obtained data. The operations furtherinclude in response to determining one or more warning devices should bedispensed from the autonomous vehicle, determining a dispensing maneuverfor the one or more warning devices. The operations further includeproviding one or more command signals to one or more vehicle systems toperform the dispensing maneuver for the one or more warning devices.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to acomputer-implemented method for deployment of a warning device. Themethod includes obtaining, by a computing system comprising one or morecomputing devices, data indicating that a vehicle stop maneuver is to beimplemented for an autonomous vehicle. The method further includesdetermining, by the computing system, whether one or more warningdevices should be dispensed from the autonomous vehicle during thevehicle stop maneuver based in part on the obtained data. The methodfurther includes in response to determining one or more warning devicesshould be dispensed from the autonomous vehicle, determining, by thecomputing system, a dispensing maneuver for the one or more warningdevices. The method further includes providing, by the computing system,one or more command signals to one or more vehicle systems to performthe dispensing maneuver for the one or more warning devices.

Another example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to anautonomous vehicle. The autonomous vehicle includes a vehicle computingsystem. The vehicle computing system includes one or more processors;and one or more memories including instructions that, when executed bythe one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to performoperations. The operations include obtaining data indicating that avehicle stop maneuver is to be implemented for an autonomous vehicle.The operations further include determining whether one or more warningdevices should be dispensed from the autonomous vehicle during thevehicle stop maneuver based in part on the obtained data. The operationsfurther include in response to determining one or more warning devicesshould be dispensed from the autonomous vehicle, determining adispensing maneuver for the one or more warning devices. The operationsfurther providing one or more command signals to one or more vehiclesystems to perform the dispensing maneuver for the one or more warningdevices.

Other aspects of the present disclosure are directed to various systems,apparatuses, non-transitory computer-readable media, user interfaces,and electronic devices.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodimentsof the present disclosure will become better understood with referenceto the following description and appended claims. The accompanyingdrawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification, illustrate example embodiments of the present disclosureand, together with the description, serve to explain the relatedprinciples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Detailed discussion of embodiments directed to one of ordinary skill inthe art is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to theappended figures, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an example system for controlling thenavigation of an autonomous vehicle according to example embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts an autonomous vehicle moving in a travel lane beforebeginning deployment of warning device(s) according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 depicts an autonomous vehicle after deployment of a warningdevice according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 depicts an autonomous vehicle moving in a travel lane beforebeginning deployment of warning device(s) according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 depicts an autonomous vehicle after deployment of a warningdevice according to example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart diagram of example operations for dispensingwarning device(s) for an autonomous vehicle according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of an example computing system accordingto example embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments, one or moreexample(s) of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example isprovided by way of explanation of the embodiments, not limitation of thepresent disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various modifications and variations can be made to theembodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.For instance, features illustrated or described as part of oneembodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still furtherembodiment. Thus, it is intended that aspects of the present disclosurecover such modifications and variations.

Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to dispensingwarning devices outside of an autonomous vehicle (e.g., behind thevehicle and/or in or near a travel lane) in particular situations, suchas while stopping motion of the autonomous vehicle after detection of afault. In particular, the systems and methods of the present disclosurecan provide for determining that a procedure to stop the motion of anautonomous vehicle is to be implemented and determining whether one ormore warning devices (e.g., flares, safety triangles, cones, lights,etc.) should be deployed by the autonomous vehicle (e.g., physicallyejected from) to warn others of the stopped autonomous vehicle. Thesystems and methods of the present disclosure can enable an autonomousvehicle to determine an appropriate timing of warning device deploymentand/or to adjust the stop trajectory of the vehicle to affect placementof the warning device(s). In this way, the systems and methods of thepresent disclosure can optimize visibility of the warning device(s),thereby increasing the safety of the autonomous vehicle, its passengers,as well as objects within its surroundings.

In particular, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, anonboard autonomous vehicle computing system may detect a fault thatwould necessitate stopping the autonomous vehicle within or near atravel lane. The computing system can determine a stop trajectory forsafely stopping the autonomous vehicle and also determine whether theautonomous vehicle is to deploy one or more warning devices based on thedetected fault and/or environment conditions (e.g., location andtrajectories of nearby traffic, weather, time of day, road conditions,and one or more of the like conditions).

The computing system can determine a deployment action or maneuver(“deployment maneuver”) based on the stop trajectory, e.g., to enablethe autonomous vehicle to dispense the warning device(s) in a mannerthat increases the visibility of the warning device(s). The deploymentmaneuver, as used herein, can correspond to one or more of a number ofaspects of deploying the warning device(s). This can include, forexample, timing the deployment and/or determining the rate of release ofthe warning device(s) based on the stopping distance of the vehicle(e.g., timing deployment to begin 50 feet, etc. before vehicle stops),the vehicle trajectory, environment, and/or the like. Additionally, insome cases, a computing system can modify the stop trajectory for theautonomous vehicle to affect the positioning of the warning device(s),for example, by taking into account road elevation, surfacecharacteristics (e.g., friction, sliding, etc.), road conditions, and/orthe like. Additionally, in some cases, a motion planner can determinethe stop trajectory in conjunction with the deployment maneuver as anintegrated operation.

More particularly, an autonomous vehicle (e.g., a ground-based vehicle,air-based vehicle, or other vehicle type) can include a variety ofsystems onboard the autonomous vehicle to control the operation of thevehicle. For instance, the autonomous vehicle can include one or moredata acquisition systems (e.g., sensors, image capture devices), one ormore vehicle computing systems (e.g. for providing autonomousoperation), one or more vehicle control systems, (e.g., for controllingacceleration, braking, steering, etc.), and/or the like. The dataacquisition system(s) can acquire sensor data (e.g., LIDAR data, radardata, image data, etc.) associated with one or more objects (e.g.,pedestrians, vehicles, etc.) that are proximate to the autonomousvehicle and/or sensor data associated with the vehicle path (e.g., pathshape, boundaries, markings, etc.). The sensor data can includeinformation that describes the location (e.g., in three-dimensionalspace relative to the autonomous vehicle) of points that correspond toobjects within the surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle(e.g., at one or more times). The data acquisition system(s) can providesuch sensor data to the vehicle computing system.

In addition to the sensor data, the vehicle computing system can obtainmap data that provides other detailed information about the surroundingenvironment of the autonomous vehicle. For example, the map data canprovide information regarding: the identity and location of variousroadways, road segments, buildings, or other items; the location anddirection of traffic lanes (e.g. the boundaries, location, direction,etc. of a travel lane, parking lane, a turning lane, a bicycle lane,and/or other lanes within a particular travel way); traffic control data(e.g., the location and instructions of signage, traffic signals, and/orother traffic control devices); and/or any other map data that providesinformation that can assist the autonomous vehicle in comprehending andperceiving its surrounding environment and its relationship thereto.

The vehicle computing system can include one or more computing devicesand include various subsystems that can cooperate to perceive thesurrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle and determine a motionplan for controlling the motion of the autonomous vehicle. For instance,the vehicle computing system can include a perception system, apredication system, and a motion planning system. The vehicle computingsystem can receive and process the sensor data to generate anappropriate motion plan through the vehicle's surrounding environment.

The perception system can detect one or more objects that are proximateto the autonomous vehicle based on the sensor data. In particular, insome implementations, the perception system can determine, for eachobject, state data that describes a current state of such object. Asexamples, the state data for each object can describe an estimate of theobject's: current location (also referred to as position); currentspeed/velocity; current acceleration; current heading; currentorientation; size/footprint; class (e.g., vehicle class versuspedestrian class versus bicycle class, etc.); and/or other stateinformation. In some implementations, the perception system candetermine state data for each object over a number of iterations. Inparticular, the perception system can update the state data for eachobject at each iteration. Thus, the perception system can detect andtrack objects (e.g., vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, etc.) that areproximate to the autonomous vehicle over time, and thereby produce apresentation of the world around an autonomous vehicle along with itsstate (e.g., a presentation of the objects within a scene at the currenttime along with the states of the objects).

The prediction system can receive the state data from the perceptionsystem and predict one or more future locations for each object based onsuch state data. For example, the prediction system can predict whereeach object will be located within the next 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20seconds, etc. As one example, an object can be predicted to adhere toits current trajectory according to its current speed. As anotherexample, other, more sophisticated prediction techniques or modeling canbe used.

The motion planning system can determine a motion plan for theautonomous vehicle based at least in part on predicted one or morefuture locations for the object provided by the prediction system and/orthe state data for the object provided by the perception system. Stateddifferently, given information about the classification and currentlocations of objects and/or predicted future locations of proximateobjects, the motion planning system can determine a motion plan for theautonomous vehicle that best navigates the autonomous vehicle along thedetermined travel route relative to the objects at such locations. Themotion plan can include one or more vehicle trajectories that indicatehow the vehicle is to travel over a certain time period, distance, etc.This can indicate a vehicle heading, speed, acceleration, and/or othermotion parameters. The motion planning system can be configured toselect a vehicle trajectory for implementation by the autonomous vehicleto control its motion.

As one example, in some implementations, the motion planning system candetermine a cost function for each of one or more candidate vehicletrajectories for the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on thecurrent locations and/or predicted future locations of the objects. Forexample, the cost function can describe a cost (e.g., over time) ofadhering to a particular candidate trajectory. For example, the costdescribed by a cost function can increase when the autonomous vehicleapproaches impact with another object and/or deviates from a preferredpathway (e.g., a predetermined travel route).

Thus, given information about the classifications, current locations,and/or predicted future locations of objects, the motion planning systemcan determine a cost of adhering to a particular candidate pathway. Themotion planning system can select or determine a motion plan for theautonomous vehicle based at least in part on the cost function(s). Forexample, the motion plan that minimizes the cost function can beselected or otherwise determined. The motion planning system then canprovide the selected motion plan to a vehicle controller that controlsone or more vehicle controls (e.g., actuators or other devices thatcontrol acceleration, steering, braking, etc.) to execute the selectedmotion plan.

In some implementations, the vehicle computing system can communicatewith various data acquisition systems, autonomy systems, and/or vehiclecontrol systems onboard the autonomous vehicle and obtain dataindicative of one or more parameters associated with the vehicle. Thevehicle computing system can be configured to determine the existence ofa fault associated with the vehicle, for example, based in part on suchparameter data. In some implementations, to address the existence of thefault, the vehicle computing system can determine one or more actions tobe performed by the autonomous vehicle to stop of the motion of thevehicle. For example, the vehicle computing system can determine atrajectory and rate of deceleration to bring the vehicle to a stop andcommunicate the appropriate commands to implement the vehicle stop.

The systems and methods of the present disclosure can provide forrecognizing that a vehicle stop procedure is to be implemented anddetermining whether one or more warning devices onboard the vehicleshould be deployed as part of the vehicle stop procedure (e.g., begindispensing the warning device(s) while the vehicle is still in motion).For example, in some implementations, a vehicle computing system candetermine that the procedure will bring the vehicle to a stop withinand/or near to a travel lane (e.g., based on fault severity, etc.) anddetermine that one or more warning devices should be deployed to providewarning that the vehicle will be stopping. Alternatively, for somevehicle stop procedures, such as where a motion plan brings the vehicleto a stop outside of a roadway (e.g., at a service location, a defineddistance away for the roadway, etc.), the vehicle computing system maydetermine that warning device(s) should not be deployed.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle computingsystem can determine a maneuver for dispensing the one or more warningdevices to optimize visibility. In some implementations, the vehiclecomputing system can determine how the warning device(s) should bedispensed based in part on the motion plan and/or trajectory beingimplemented to stop the vehicle. For example, the computing system candetermine the timing for dispensing the warning device(s) based on themotion plan and/or trajectory such that the dispensing begins at a pointin time when the vehicle is a certain distance from stopping. In someimplementations, the vehicle computing system can adjust the stoptrajectory to affect positioning of the warning device(s). For example,the vehicle computing system can take parameters such as roadconditions, friction, sliding characteristics, and/or the like intoaccount to adjust the stop trajectory and dispensing of the warningdevice(s) to affect positioning of the warning device(s) and/or optimizevisibility of the warning device(s).

In some implementations, the vehicle computing system can determine thedeployment of the one or more warning devices based in part on map data.For example, the vehicle computing system can determine lane boundariesand/or road elevations based on map data and optimize the deployment ofthe warning device(s) for maximum visibility behind the stoppedautonomous vehicle. As one example, the vehicle computing system maydetermine that the stop trajectory will take the vehicle over a risebased on map data and determine that the dispensing of the warningdevice(s) should be timed to begin before cresting the rise. As anotherexample, the vehicle computing system may determine that the stoptrajectory will bring the vehicle to a stop around a curve in the travelway and determine that the dispensing of the warning device(s) should betimed to begin before the vehicle enters the curve. In someimplementations, the vehicle computing system can determine a stoptrajectory and warning device(s) deployment based on map data as well astaking into account other vehicles following the autonomous vehicle.

Additionally, or alternatively, the vehicle computing system candetermine the deployment of the one or more warning devices based inpart on acquired senor data. For example, the vehicle computing systemcan determine the curvature of a travel way, the position of walkways,etc. based on the sensor data acquired onboard the autonomous vehicle.The vehicle computing system can determine a stop trajectory and warningdevice(s) deployment based on the sensor data to ensure that the warningdevice(s) are positioned relative to the travel way, walkway, etc. in amanner that increases visibility of the warning device(s).

In some implementations, the vehicle computing system can provide forperforming one or more actions to alert other vehicles (e.g., vehicleoperators) that warning device(s) are to be deployed. For example, insome implementations, the vehicle computing system can communicatecommands to one or more vehicle systems to activate and/or modify lightsand/or displays (e.g., hazard warning lights, brake lights, otherdisplays, etc.) to more prominently alert other vehicles (and/orassociated operators) following the autonomous vehicle of the warningdevice(s) being dispensed. In some implementations, the vehiclecomputing system may perceive objects (e.g., other vehicles) proximateto the autonomous vehicle (e.g., approaching the vehicle from behind,etc.) and activate lights and/or modify a light blink pattern to alertthe approaching drivers.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the warningdevice(s) to be dispensed by an autonomous vehicle can include one ormore of safety flares, safety triangles, devices that include lightsand/or LEDs (e.g., connected to a spool of wire, etc.), rope lights,and/or the like. In some implementations, the warning device(s) can beattached together, such as by rope, wire, etc., to allow for easierretrieval. In some implementations, the vehicle computing system candetermine a maneuver for dispensing the warning device(s) based on thetype of device. As an example, in the case of safety flares and/orsafety triangles, the vehicle computing system can determine a point intime to begin dispensing the flares/triangles (e.g., an amount of timeor distance before stopping, etc.) as well as how often to dispense theflares/triangles (e.g., interval between dispensing individualflares/triangles) to optimize visibility.

In some implementations, the warning device(s) can stay connected to theautonomous vehicle after the warning device(s) are dispensed (e.g.,through physical connection). For example, the warning device(s) mayinclude a spool of wire with attached flashing LEDs positioned onboardthe autonomous vehicle. The spool of wire can include a weightingmechanism to allow for unspooling the wire for deployment of the LEDs.The vehicle computing system can communicate with a control for thespool to allow for deployment. In some implementations, the spool ofwire can be powered by the autonomous vehicle and/or can include aseparate power source. In some implementations, the spool of wire canhave a predetermined length that can be fully released or releasedproportional to the vehicle speed. In some implementations, the vehiclecomputing system can determine a deployment of the LED wire thatprovides for directing traffic around the stopped vehicle. In someimplementation, the autonomous vehicle may have a wireless communicationconnection with the warning device(s) after the warning device(s) aredispensed. In some implementations, the warning device(s) can bedisconnected (e.g., physically disconnected, wirelessly disconnected)from the autonomous vehicle after the warning device(s) are dispensed.

In some implementation, the autonomous vehicle can control the placementof the warning device(s) after they have been dispensed. For example,the warning device(s) may include a spool of an inflatable line thatwhen inflated has a predetermined shape. As such, during operation, theautonomous vehicle inflates the line to achieve the predetermined shape.Such a shape is to cause proper placement of the warning device(s)behind the vehicle. An example of a predetermined shape includes a shapethat the line starts on one side of the vehicle and lays towards theother side of the vehicle at the distal end of the line. Additionally oralternatively, the autonomous vehicle can include an outrigger structurethat moves the proximal end of the line in a way to achieve a shape ofthe released line.

In some implementations, the speed of the autonomous vehicle may betaken into account when determining whether warning device(s) should bedeployed. For example, the vehicle computing system can determine thatthe vehicle is not traveling fast enough to allow for effectivedeployment of the warning device(s). In some implementations, otherparameters (e.g., vehicle parameters, environment, road conditions,etc.) may be taken into account when determining whether warningdevice(s) should be deployed.

In some implementations, the autonomous vehicle may be a tractor-trailertruck and the warning device(s) may be positioned on the tractorportion. In such implementations, the warning device(s) may beconfigured such that the trailer portion of the truck can drive over thewarning device(s).

The systems and methods described herein provide a number of technicaleffects and benefits. For instance, the vehicle computing system canlocally control deployment of warning device(s) in an intelligent mannerwithout having to communicate with a remote operations computing systemor operator. Furthermore, the systems and methods described herein canprovide for improved deployment of warning device(s) in a timely mannerthereby optimizing warnings to other drivers and improving road safety.

With reference to the figures, example embodiments of the presentdisclosure will be discussed in further detail.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an example system 100 for controllingthe navigation of an autonomous vehicle 102 according to exampleembodiments of the present disclosure. The system 100 can include avehicle computing system 106 associated with the autonomous vehicle 102.In some implementations, the system 100 can include an operationscomputing system 130 that is remote from the autonomous vehicle 102.

The autonomous vehicle 102 is capable of sensing its environment andnavigating with little to no human input. The autonomous vehicle 102 canbe a ground-based autonomous vehicle (e.g., car, truck, bus, etc.), anair-based autonomous vehicle (e.g., airplane, drone, helicopter, orother aircraft), or other types of vehicles (e.g., watercraft). Theautonomous vehicle 102 can be configured to operate in one or moremodes, for example, a fully autonomous operational mode, semi-autonomousoperational mode, and/or a non-autonomous operational mode. A fullyautonomous (e.g., self-driving) operational mode can be one in which theautonomous vehicle can provide driving and navigational operation withminimal and/or no interaction from a human driver present in thevehicle. A semi-autonomous (e.g., driver-assisted) operational mode canbe one in which the autonomous vehicle operates with some interactionfrom a human driver present in the vehicle.

The autonomous vehicle 102 can include one or more sensors 104, avehicle computing system 106, and one or more vehicle controls 108. Thevehicle computing system 106 can include one or more computing devicesand include various subsystems that can assist in controlling theautonomous vehicle 102. In particular, the vehicle computing system 106can receive sensor data from the one or more sensors 104, attempt tocomprehend the surrounding environment by performing various processingtechniques on data collected by the sensors 104, and generate anappropriate motion path through such surrounding environment. Thevehicle computing system 106 can control the one or more vehiclecontrols 108 to operate the autonomous vehicle 102 according to themotion path.

Additionally, in some implementations, the vehicle computing system 106can communicate with various data acquisition systems, autonomy systems,and/or vehicle control systems onboard the autonomous vehicle and obtaindata indicative of one or more parameters associated with the vehicle.The vehicle computing system can be configured to determine theexistence of a fault associated with the vehicle, for example, based inpart on such parameter data. The vehicle computing system 106 candetermine one or more actions to be performed by the autonomous vehicleto address the existence of the fault.

In some implementations, vehicle computing system 106 can include apositioning system 120. The positioning system 120 can determine acurrent position of the autonomous vehicle 102. The positioning system120 can be any device or circuitry for analyzing the position of theautonomous vehicle 102. For example, the positioning system 120 candetermine position by using one or more of inertial sensors, a satellitepositioning system, based on IP address, by using triangulation and/orproximity to network access points or other network components (e.g.,cellular towers, WiFi access points, etc.) and/or other suitabletechniques for determining position. The position of the autonomousvehicle 102 can be used by various systems of the vehicle computingsystem 106.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the vehicle computingsystem 106 can include a perception system 110, a prediction system 112,and a motion planning system 114 that cooperate to perceive thesurrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle 102 and determine amotion plan for controlling the motion of the autonomous vehicle 102accordingly.

In particular, in some implementations, the perception system 110 canreceive sensor data from the one or more sensors 104 that are coupled toor otherwise included within the autonomous vehicle 102. As examples,the one or more sensors 104 can include a Light Detection and Ranging(LIDAR) system, a Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) system, one ormore cameras (e.g., visible spectrum cameras, infrared cameras, etc.),and/or other sensors. The sensor data can include information thatdescribes the location of objects within the surrounding environment ofthe autonomous vehicle 102.

As one example, for LIDAR system, the sensor data can include thelocation (e.g., in three-dimensional space relative to the LIDAR system)of a number of points that correspond to objects that have reflected aranging laser. For example, LIDAR system can measure distances bymeasuring the Time of Flight (TOF) that it takes a short laser pulse totravel from the sensor to an object and back, calculating the distancefrom the known speed of light.

As another example, for RADAR system, the sensor data can include thelocation (e.g., in three-dimensional space relative to RADAR system) ofa number of points that correspond to objects that have reflected aranging radio wave. For example, radio waves (pulsed or continuous)transmitted by the RADAR system can reflect off an object and return toa receiver of the RADAR system, giving information about the object'slocation and speed. Thus, RADAR system can provide useful informationabout the current speed of an object.

As yet another example, for one or more cameras, various processingtechniques (e.g., range imaging techniques such as, for example,structure from motion, structured light, stereo triangulation, and/orother techniques) can be performed to identify the location (e.g., inthree-dimensional space relative to the one or more cameras) of a numberof points that correspond to objects that are depicted in imagerycaptured by the one or more cameras. Other sensor systems can identifythe location of points that correspond to objects as well.

Thus, the one or more sensors 104 can be used to collect sensor datathat includes information that describes the location (e.g., inthree-dimensional space relative to the autonomous vehicle 102) ofpoints that correspond to objects within the surrounding environment ofthe autonomous vehicle 102.

In addition to the sensor data, the perception system 110 can retrieveor otherwise obtain map data 118 that provides detailed informationabout the surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle 102. The mapdata 118 can provide information regarding: the identity and location ofdifferent travel ways (e.g., roadways), road segments, buildings, orother items or objects (e.g., lampposts, crosswalks, curbing, etc.); thelocation and directions of traffic lanes (e.g., the location anddirection of a parking lane, a turning lane, a bicycle lane, or otherlanes within a particular roadway or other travel way); traffic controldata (e.g., the location and instructions of signage, traffic lights, orother traffic control devices); and/or any other map data that providesinformation that assists the vehicle computing system 106 incomprehending and perceiving its surrounding environment and itsrelationship thereto.

The perception system 110 can identify one or more objects that withinthe surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle 102 based onsensor data received from the one or more sensors 104 and/or the mapdata 118. In particular, in some implementations, the perception system110 can determine, for each object, state data that describes a currentstate of such object. As examples, the state data for each object candescribe an estimate of the object's: current location (also referred toas position); current speed; current heading (also referred to togetheras velocity); current acceleration; current orientation; size/footprint(e.g., as represented by a bounding shape such as a bounding polygon orpolyhedron); class (e.g., vehicle versus pedestrian versus bicycleversus other); yaw rate; uncertainties associated therewith, and/orother state information.

In some implementations, the perception system 110 can determine statedata for each object over a number of iterations. In particular, theperception system 110 can update the state data for each object at eachiteration. Thus, the perception system 110 can detect and track objects(e.g., vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, and the like) that within thesurrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle 102 over time.

The prediction system 112 can receive the state data from the perceptionsystem 110 and predict one or more future locations for each objectbased on such state data. For example, the prediction system 112 canpredict where each object will be located within the next 5 seconds, 10seconds, 20 seconds, etc. For example, the prediction system 112 candetermine a predicted motion trajectory along which a respective objectis predicted to travel over time. A predicted motion trajectory can beindicative of a path that the object is predicted to traverse and anassociated timing with which the object is predicted to travel along thepath. The predicted path can include and/or be made up of a plurality ofway points. In some implementations, the prediction system 112 predictthe speed and/or acceleration at which the respective object ispredicted to travel along its associated predicted motion trajectory. Asone example, an object can be predicted to adhere to its currenttrajectory according to its current speed. As another example, other,more sophisticated prediction techniques or modeling can be used.

The motion planning system 114 can determine a motion plan for theautonomous vehicle 102 based at least in part on the predicted one ormore future locations for the object provided by the prediction system112 and/or the state data for the object provided by the perceptionsystem 110. Stated differently, given information about the currentlocations of objects and/or predicted future locations of proximateobjects, the motion planning system 114 can determine a motion plan forthe autonomous vehicle 102 that best navigates the autonomous vehicle102 relative to the objects at such locations. The motion plan caninclude one or more vehicle trajectories that indicate how the vehicle102 is to travel over a certain time period, distance, etc. This canindicate a vehicle heading, speed, acceleration, and/or other motionparameters. The motion planning system 114 can be configured to select avehicle trajectory for implementation by the autonomous vehicle 102 tocontrol its motion.

As one example, in some implementations, the motion planning system 114can determine a cost function for each of one or more candidate vehicletrajectories for the autonomous vehicle 102 based at least in part onthe current locations and/or predicted future locations of the objects.For example, the cost function can describe a cost (e.g., over time) ofadhering to a particular candidate trajectory. For example, the costdescribed by a cost function can increase when the autonomous vehicle102 approaches a possible impact with another object and/or deviatesfrom a preferred pathway (e.g., a predetermined travel route).

Thus, given information about the current locations and/or predictedfuture locations of objects, the motion planning system 114 candetermine a cost of adhering to a particular candidate pathway. Themotion planning system 114 can select or determine a motion plan for theautonomous vehicle 102 based at least in part on the cost function(s).For example, the candidate motion plan that minimizes the cost functioncan be selected or otherwise determined. The motion planning system 114can provide the selected motion plan to a vehicle controller 116 thatcontrols one or more vehicle controls 108 (e.g., actuators or otherdevices that control gas flow, acceleration, steering, braking, etc.) toexecute the selected motion plan.

Each of the perception system 110, the prediction system 112, the motionplanning system 114, and the vehicle controller 116 can include computerlogic utilized to provide desired functionality. In someimplementations, each of the perception system 110, the predictionsystem 112, the motion planning system 114, and the vehicle controller116 can be implemented in hardware, firmware, and/or softwarecontrolling a general purpose processor. For example, in someimplementations, each of the perception system 110, the predictionsystem 112, the motion planning system 114, and the vehicle controller116 includes program files stored on a storage device, loaded into amemory, and executed by one or more processors. In otherimplementations, each of the perception system 110, the predictionsystem 112, the motion planning system 114, and the vehicle controller116 includes one or more sets of computer-executable instructions thatare stored in a tangible computer-readable storage medium such as RAMhard disk or optical or magnetic media.

In some implementations, the autonomous vehicle 102 can be associatedwith an entity (e.g., a service provider, owner, manager). The entitycan be one that offers one or more vehicle service(s) to a plurality ofusers via a fleet of vehicles that includes, for example, the autonomousvehicle 102. In some implementations, the operations computing system130 can be associated with the entity. The entity can utilize theoperations computing system 130 to coordinate and/or manage theautonomous vehicle 102 (and its associated fleet, if any) to provide thevehicle services to users.

The operations computing system 130 can include one or more computingdevices that are remote from the autonomous vehicle 102 (e.g., locatedoff-board the vehicle 102). For example, such computing device(s) can becomponents of a cloud-based server system and/or other type of computingsystem that can communicate with the vehicle computing system 106 of theautonomous vehicle 102. The computing device(s) of the operationscomputing system 130 can include various components for performingvarious operations and functions. For instance, the computing device(s)can include one or more processor(s) and one or more tangible,non-transitory, computer readable media (e.g., memory devices, etc.).The one or more tangible, non-transitory, computer readable media canstore instructions that when executed by the one or more processor(s)cause the operations computing system 130 (e.g., the one or moreprocessors, etc.) to perform operations and functions, such as providingdata to and/or receiving data from the autonomous vehicle 102, formanaging a fleet of vehicles (that includes the autonomous vehicle 102),etc.

FIG. 2 depicts an autonomous vehicle 202 moving in a travel way, such asa travel lane 204 of the travel way before beginning deployment ofwarning device(s) according to example embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 2, an autonomous vehicle 202 (e.g. anautonomous truck, etc.) may be traveling in a travel way (e.g., withintravel lane 204) according to a defined trajectory, for example,trajectory 206, as part of a vehicle motion plan. The autonomous vehicle202 (e.g., vehicle computing system, etc.) may detect a fault conditionthat necessitates stopping the motion of the autonomous vehicle 202. Forinstance, the autonomous vehicle 202 may determine the existence of afault condition by monitoring one or more vehicle parameters, such asfuel level, charge level, engine conditions, tire pressure, availabledata storage in the on-board memory devices, and/or other health andmaintenance data of the autonomous vehicle, and comparing the parametersto one or more thresholds. As one example, the autonomous vehicle 202may determine that a fault condition exists when the engine temperatureexceeds a pre-set temperature threshold. The autonomous vehicle 202(e.g., vehicle computing system, etc.) may determine a vehicle stopmaneuver (e.g., stop trajectory 208 and deceleration rate, stop motionplan, etc.) to bring the autonomous vehicle 202 to a safe stop (asdepicted in FIG. 3). In some implementations, upon determining that avehicle stop maneuver will be implemented (e.g., obtaining dataindicative of a vehicle stop maneuver), the autonomous vehicle 202(e.g., vehicle computing system, etc.) can determine if one or morewarning devices should be deployed and determine a maneuver fordispensing one or more warning devices to increase visibility of thestopped vehicle to approaching traffic.

FIG. 3 depicts an autonomous vehicle 202 after deployment of a warningdevice according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, upon determining that a vehicle stop maneuverwill be implemented, an autonomous vehicle 202 can determine whether todeploy one or more warning devices based on the detected fault, motionplan, vehicle trajectory, vehicle parameters (e.g., vehicle speed,etc.), environment conditions (e.g., location and trajectories of nearbytraffic, objects in the surrounding environment, weather, time of day,road conditions, etc.) and/or the like. The autonomous vehicle 202 candetermine an appropriate deployment maneuver to dispense warningdevice(s) (e.g., safety flares, safety triangles, cable or wire devicesthat include lights and/or LEDs, rope lights, and/or the like) duringthe vehicle stop maneuver. For example, the autonomous vehicle 202(e.g., vehicle computing system, etc.) may determine a deploymentmaneuver including the timing and/or positioning for dispersing thewarning device(s) 304, the release rate of the warning device(s) 304,and/or the like. The autonomous vehicle 202 (e.g., vehicle computingsystem, etc.) can determine how the warning device(s) 304 should bedispensed based in part on a motion plan and/or stop trajectory (e.g.,stop trajectory 208), vehicle speed, map data, sensor data, environmentconditions (e.g., location and trajectories of nearby traffic, objectsin the surrounding environment, weather, time of day, road conditions,etc.), and/or the like. The autonomous vehicle 202 (e.g., vehiclecomputing system, etc.) can provide command signal(s) to one or morevehicle systems to perform the deployment maneuver (e.g., to triggeractuators to dispense the warning device(s) 304, etc.). As an example,the autonomous vehicle 202 (e.g., vehicle computing system, etc.) caninitiate the dispersing of the warning device(s) 304 at start point 302,such that the dispensing of the warning device(s) 304 begins at a pointin time when the vehicle 202 is a certain distance from stopping, toprovide a warning of the stopped vehicle 202 to approaching traffic.

In some implementations, the vehicle computing system can adjust thestop trajectory 208 to affect positioning of the warning device(s) 304.For example, the vehicle computing system can take parameters, such asroad elevation, road conditions, surface characteristics (e.g.,friction, sliding, etc.), device characteristics, and/or the like, intoaccount to determine or adjust the stop trajectory 208 and dispensing ofthe warning device(s) 304 to affect positioning of the warning device(s)304 and/or increase visibility of the warning device(s) 304.

In some implementations, the warning device(s) 304 can be attachedtogether (e.g., by cable, wire, etc.) to allow for easier retrieval andcan stay connected to the autonomous vehicle 202 after the warningdevice(s) 304 are dispensed. In one example, as illustrated in FIG. 3,the warning device(s) 304 can include a spool of wire with attachedflashing LEDs positioned onboard the autonomous vehicle 202, and caninclude a weighting mechanism to allow for unspooling the wire fordeployment of the warning device(s) 304. In some implementations, thespool of wire can have a predetermined length that can be fully releasedor released proportional to the speed of the autonomous vehicle 202 andcan be deployed in a manner that provides for directing traffic aroundthe stopped autonomous vehicle 202.

In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 3, the autonomous vehicle 202may be a tractor-trailer truck and the warning device(s) 304 may bepositioned on the tractor portion of the autonomous vehicle 202. In suchimplementations, the warning device(s) 304 may be configured such thatthe trailer portion of the truck can drive over the warning device(s)304.

In some implementations, the autonomous vehicle 202 (e.g., vehiclecomputing system, etc.) can provide for performing one or more actionsto alert other vehicles (e.g., vehicle operators) that the warningdevice(s) 304 is to be deployed. For example, in some implementations,the vehicle computing system can communicate commands to one or morevehicle systems to activate and/or modify lights and/or displays (e.g.,hazard warning lights, brake lights, other displays, etc.) to moreprominently alert other vehicles (and/or associated operators) followingthe autonomous vehicle 202 of the warning device(s) 304 being dispensed.In some implementations, the vehicle computing system may perceiveobjects (e.g., other vehicles) proximate to the autonomous vehicle 202(e.g., approaching the vehicle from behind, etc.) and activate lightsand/or modify a light blink pattern to alert the approaching drivers.

FIG. 4 depicts an autonomous vehicle 402 moving in a travel way (intravel lane 404) before beginning deployment of warning device(s)according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Asillustrated in FIG. 4, an autonomous vehicle 402 may be traveling in thetravel way (e.g., in travel lane 404) according to a defined trajectoryas part of a vehicle motion plan and may be approaching a curve 406 inthe travel lane 404. The autonomous vehicle 402 (e.g., vehicle computingsystem, etc.) may detect a fault condition that necessitates stoppingthe motion of the autonomous vehicle 402. The autonomous vehicle 402(e.g., vehicle computing system, etc.) may determine a vehicle stopmaneuver (e.g., stop trajectory 408 and deceleration rate, stop motionplan, etc.) to bring the autonomous vehicle 402 to a safe stop. In somecases, the vehicle stop maneuver may necessitate bringing the vehicle402 to a stop while in or near the curve 406 of the travel lane 404 (asdepicted in FIG. 5). Upon determining that a vehicle stop maneuver willbe implemented, the autonomous vehicle 402 (e.g., vehicle computingsystem, etc.) can determine if one or more warning devices should bedeployed and can determine a maneuver for dispensing one or more warningdevices to increase visibility of the stopped vehicle to approachingtraffic.

FIG. 5 depicts an autonomous vehicle 402 after deployment of warningdevice(s) according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Asillustrated in FIG. 5, upon determining that a vehicle stop maneuverwill be implemented the autonomous vehicle 402 can determine whether todeploy one or more warning devices based on the detected fault, motionplan, vehicle trajectory, vehicle conditions (e.g., vehicle speed,etc.), environment conditions (e.g., location and trajectories of nearbytraffic, objects in the surrounding environment, weather, time of day,road conditions, etc.) and/or the like. The autonomous vehicle 402 maydetermine that the vehicle will stop in or near a curve of the travellane (e.g., curve 406). For example, the autonomous vehicle 402 (e.g.,vehicle computing device, etc.) may determine that the travel lane 404includes a curve 406 (e.g., based on map data and/or sensor data, etc.)The autonomous vehicle 402 may determine an appropriate deploymentmaneuver to dispense warning device(s) 504 should begin prior toentering the curve 406 in the travel lane 404, for example, at astarting position 502, to provide increased visibility of the warningdevice(s) 504 and warn approaching traffic of the stopped vehicle.

In some implementation, the autonomous vehicle 402 can control theplacement of the warning device(s) 504 during and/or after they havebeen dispensed. As one example, the warning device(s) 504 may include aspool of an inflatable line that when inflated has a predeterminedshape. As such, during operation, the autonomous vehicle 402 can inflatethe line to achieve the predetermined shape, such that the inflatedshape provides for proper placement of the warning device(s) 504 behindthe vehicle (e.g., along the curve 406). Additionally or alternatively,the autonomous vehicle 402 can include an outrigger structure that movesthe proximal end of the warning device line in a way to achieve adesired positioning of the warning device(s) 504 (e.g., desired shape ofthe released line).

FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart diagram of example operations 600 fordispensing warning device(s) for an autonomous vehicle according toexample embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more portion(s) ofthe operations 600 can be implemented by one or more computing devicessuch as, for example, the vehicle computing system 106 of FIG. 1, thevehicle computing system 106 or remote computing system 130/720 of FIGS.1 and 7, and/or the like. Each respective portion of the operations 600can be performed by any (or any combination) of the one or morecomputing devices. Moreover, one or more portion(s) of the operations600 can be implemented as an algorithm on the hardware components of thedevice(s) described herein (e.g., as in FIGS. 1 and 7), for example, toprovide for dispensing warning device(s) for an autonomous vehicle. FIG.6 depicts elements performed in a particular order for purposes ofillustration and discussion and is not meant to be limiting.

At 602, one or more computing devices included within a computing system(e.g., computing system 106, 130, 720, and/or the like) can obtain dataindicative of a vehicle stop maneuver. For example, a vehicle computingsystem 106 can communicate with various vehicle systems onboard theautonomous vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle 102, 202, 402) and obtaindata indicative of one or more parameters associated with the vehicle.The vehicle computing system 106 can determine the existence of a faultassociated with the vehicle, for example, based in part on suchparameter data. To address the existence of the fault, the vehiclecomputing system 106 can determine one or more actions to be performedby the autonomous vehicle to stop of the motion of the vehicle (e.g., avehicle stop maneuver).

At 604, the computing system 106, 130, 720 can determine whether one ormore warning devices (e.g., warning device(s) 304, 504) should bedispensed in conjunction with the vehicle stop maneuver. For example,the computing system 106, 130, 720 can determine whether the autonomousvehicle is to deploy one or more warning devices 304, 504 based on thedetected fault, parameters of the vehicle (e.g., vehicle speed, etc.),the stop trajectory of the vehicle, environment conditions (e.g.,location and trajectories of nearby traffic, weather, time of day, roadconditions, etc.), and/or the like.

At 606, upon determining that the warning device(s) 304, 504 should bedeployed during the vehicle stop maneuver, the computing system 106,130, 720 can determine a deployment maneuver for dispensing the warningdevice(s) 304, 504 from the vehicle. For example, the computing system106, 130, 720 can determine a deployment maneuver based on the stoptrajectory (e.g., stop trajectory 208, 408), for example, to enable theautonomous vehicle to dispense the warning device(s) 304, 504 in amanner that increases the visibility of the warning device(s) 304, 504.The computing system 106, 130, 720 can determine aspects of thedeployment maneuver including timing the deployment and/or determiningthe rate of release of the warning device(s) 304, 504 based on thestopping distance of the vehicle, stopping trajectory, vehicle speed,map data, sensor data, environment, and/or the like. Additionally, insome cases, the computing system 106, 130, 720 can determine and/ormodify the stop trajectory for the vehicle (e.g., as part of the vehiclestop maneuver) to affect the positioning of the warning device(s) 304,504, for example, by taking into account road elevation, surfacecharacteristics (e.g., friction, sliding, etc.), device characteristics,road conditions, map data, sensor data, and/or the like.

At 608, the computing system 106, 130, 720 can provide one or morecommand signals to control system(s) onboard or associated with thevehicle to control dispensing of the warning device(s) 304, 504. Forexample, in some implementations, command signal(s) can be provided toone or more actuators to release warning device(s) 304, 504, such asflares, safety triangles, cones, lights, and/or the like, according to adefined deployment maneuver. As another example, command signal(s) canbe provided to one or more actuators to begin unspooling a wire or cableincluding LED lights and to activate the LED lights upon deployment.Additionally, in some implementations, the computing system 106, 130,720 can provide command signal(s) to one or more vehicle systems toactivate and/or modify lights and/or displays (e.g., hazard warninglights, brake lights, other displays, etc.) to more prominently alertother vehicles following the autonomous vehicle of the warning device(s)304, 504 being dispensed.

FIG. 7 depicts a block diagram of an example computing system 700according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. The examplesystem 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 is provided as an example only. Thecomponents, systems, connections, and/or other aspects illustrated inFIG. 7 are optional and are provided as examples of what is possible,but not required, to implement the present disclosure. The examplesystem 700 can include the vehicle computing system 106 of theautonomous vehicle 102 and a remote computing system 720 (e.g.,operations computing system, etc. that is remote from the vehicle 102)that can be communicatively coupled to one another over one or morenetwork(s) 740. The remote computing system 720 can be associated with acentral operations system and/or an entity associated with the vehicle102 such as, for example, a vehicle owner, vehicle manager, fleetoperator, service provider, etc. For instance, the remote computingsystem 720 can be or otherwise include the remote computing system 130described herein.

The computing device(s) 701 of the vehicle computing system 106 caninclude processor(s) 702 and at least one memory 704. The one or moreprocessors 702 can be any suitable processing device (e.g., a processorcore, a microprocessor, an ASIC, a FPGA, a controller, amicrocontroller, etc.) and can be one processor or a plurality ofprocessors that are operatively connected. The memory 704 can includeone or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM,ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flash memory devices,magnetic disks, data registers, etc., and combinations thereof.

The memory 704 can store information that can be accessed by the one ormore processors 702. For instance, the memory 704 (e.g., one or morenon-transitory computer-readable storage mediums, memory devices) caninclude computer-readable instructions 706 that can be executed by theone or more processors 702. The instructions 706 can be software writtenin any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware.Additionally, or alternatively, the instructions 706 can be executed inlogically and/or virtually separate threads on processor(s) 702.

For example, the memory 704 on-board the vehicle 102 can storeinstructions 706 that when executed by the one or more processors 702cause the one or more processors 702 (e.g., in the vehicle computingsystem 106) to perform operations such as any of the operations andfunctions of the computing device(s) 701 and/or vehicle computing system106, the operations and functions for deploying warning device(s) (e.g.,one or more portions of operations 600), any of the operations andfunctions for which the vehicle computing system 106 is configured,and/or any other operations and functions of the vehicle computingsystem 106, as described herein.

The memory 704 can store data 708 that can be obtained (e.g., received,accessed, written, manipulated, created, generated, etc.) and/or stored.The data 708 can include, for instance, service data (e.g., trip data,etc.), sensor data, map data, perception data, prediction data, motionplanning data, object states and/or state data, object motiontrajectories, feedback data, fault data, and/or other data/informationas described herein. In some implementations, the computing device(s)701 can obtain data from one or more memories that are remote from thevehicle 102.

The computing device(s) 701 can also include a communication interface710 used to communicate with one or more other system(s) (e.g., remotecomputing system 720). The communication interface 710 can include anycircuits, components, software, etc. for communicating via one or morenetworks (e.g., network(s) 740). In some implementations, thecommunication interface 710 can include, for example, one or more of acommunications controller, receiver, transceiver, transmitter, port,conductors, software, and/or hardware for communicating data.

The remote computing system 720 can include one or more computingdevice(s) 721. The computing device(s) 721 can include one or moreprocessors 722 and at least one memory 724. The one or more processors722 can be any suitable processing device (e.g., a processor core, amicroprocessor, an ASIC, a FPGA, a controller, a microcontroller, etc.)and can be one processor or a plurality of processors that areoperatively connected. The memory 724 can include one or more tangible,non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM,EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flash memory devices, dataregisters, etc., and combinations thereof.

The memory 724 can store information that can be accessed by the one ormore processors 722. For instance, the memory 724 (e.g., one or moretangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, one or morememory devices, etc.) can include computer-readable instructions 726that can be executed by the one or more processors 722. The instructions726 can be software written in any suitable programming language or canbe implemented in hardware. Additionally, or alternatively, theinstructions 726 can be executed in logically and/or virtually separatethreads on processor(s) 722.

For example, the memory 724 can store instructions 726 that whenexecuted by the one or more processors 722 cause the one or moreprocessors 722 to perform operations such as any of the operations andfunctions of the remote computing system 720 and/or computing device(s)721 or for which the remote computing system 720 is configured, asdescribed herein, and/or any other operations and functions describedherein.

The memory 724 can store data 728 that can be obtained and/or stored.The data 728 can include, for instance, service data (e.g., trip data,etc.), data associated with autonomous vehicles (e.g., sensor data, mapdata, perception data, prediction data, motion planning data, objectstates and/or state data, object motion trajectories, feedback data,fault data, etc.), and/or other data/information as described herein. Insome implementations, the computing device(s) 721 can obtain data fromone or more memories that are remote from the remote computing system720.

The computing device(s) 721 can also include a communication interface730 used to communicate with one or more other system(s) (e.g., thevehicle computing system 106, etc.). The communication interface 730 caninclude any circuits, components, software, etc. for communicating viaone or more networks (e.g., network(s) 740). In some implementations,the communication interface 730 can include, for example, one or more ofa communications controller, receiver, transceiver, transmitter, port,conductors, software, and/or hardware for communicating data.

The network(s) 740 can be any type of network or combination of networksthat allows for communication between devices. In some embodiments, thenetwork(s) 740 can include one or more of a local area network, widearea network, the Internet, secure network, cellular network, meshnetwork, peer-to-peer communication link, and/or some combinationthereof, and can include any number of wired or wireless links.Communication over the network(s) 740 can be accomplished, for instance,via a communication interface using any type of protocol, protectionscheme, encoding, format, packaging, etc.

Computing tasks discussed herein as being performed at computingdevice(s) remote from the autonomous vehicle can instead be performed atthe autonomous vehicle (e.g., via the vehicle computing system), or viceversa. Such configurations can be implemented without deviating from thescope of the present disclosure. The use of computer-based systemsallows for a great variety of possible configurations, combinations, anddivisions of tasks and functionality between and among components.Computer-implemented operations can be performed on a single componentor across multiple components. Computer-implements tasks and/oroperations can be performed sequentially or in parallel. Data andinstructions can be stored in a single memory device or across multiplememory devices.

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to various specific example embodiments thereof, each example isprovided by way of explanation, not limitation of the disclosure. Thoseskilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing,can readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents tosuch embodiments. Accordingly, the subject disclosure does not precludeinclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to thepresent subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art. For instance, features illustrated or described aspart of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield astill further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the presentdisclosure cover such alterations, variations, and equivalents.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A computer-implemented method comprising:obtaining data indicative of a vehicle stop maneuver for an autonomousvehicle; based on the data indicative of the vehicle stop maneuver,identifying a warning device of the autonomous vehicle for deployment,wherein the warning device is physically connected to the autonomousvehicle; determining a timing and a position for deploying the warningdevice of the autonomous vehicle; and providing one or more signals toinitiate the deployment of the warning device of the autonomous vehiclein accordance with the timing and the position, wherein the warningdevice remains physically connected to the autonomous vehicle whiledeployed.
 22. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein thedata indicating the vehicle stop maneuver indicates that the vehiclestop maneuver has been performed, is currently being performed, or is tobe performed by the autonomous vehicle.
 23. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 21, wherein the warning device comprises a triangularshape.
 24. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein theposition for placing the warning device is a position that is visible byapproaching traffic.
 25. The computer-implemented method of claim 21,wherein the autonomous vehicle is an autonomous truck.
 26. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the deployment of thewarning device of the autonomous vehicle is initiated while theautonomous vehicle is performing the vehicle stop maneuver.
 27. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the deployment of thewarning device of the autonomous vehicle is initiated after theautonomous vehicle performs the vehicle stop maneuver.
 28. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein determining the timingand the position for placing the warning device comprises: determiningthe timing and the position based at least in part on a trajectory oftraffic.
 29. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, furthercomprising: providing a signal to activate a hazard warning light of theautonomous vehicle.
 30. A vehicle control system comprising: one or moreprocessors; and a memory including instructions that are executable bythe one or more processors to cause the one or more processors toperform operations, the operations comprising: obtaining data indicativeof a vehicle stop maneuver for an autonomous vehicle; based on the dataindicative of the vehicle stop maneuver, identifying a warning device ofthe autonomous vehicle for deployment, wherein the warning device isphysically connected to the autonomous vehicle; determining a timing anda position for deploying the warning device of the autonomous vehicle;and providing one or more signals to initiate the deployment of thewarning device of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the timingand the position, wherein the warning device remains physicallyconnected to the autonomous vehicle while deployed.
 31. The vehiclecontrol system of claim 30, wherein the data indicating the vehicle stopmaneuver indicates that the vehicle stop maneuver has been performed, iscurrently, being performed, or is to be performed by the autonomousvehicle.
 32. The vehicle control system of claim 30, wherein the warningdevice comprises a triangular shape.
 33. The vehicle control system ofclaim 30, wherein the position for placing the warning device is aposition that is visible by approaching traffic.
 34. The vehicle controlsystem of claim 30, wherein the deployment of the warning device of theautonomous vehicle is initiated after the autonomous vehicle performsthe vehicle stop maneuver.
 35. The vehicle control system of claim 30,wherein the warning device comprises a light.
 36. The vehicle controlsystem of claim 30, wherein the warning device is not visible to asurrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle before deployment ofthe warning device.
 37. The vehicle control system of claim 30, whereinthe position for deploying the warning device is a position that isvisible by approaching traffic.
 38. The vehicle control system of claim30, wherein the autonomous vehicle is an autonomous truck.
 39. Anautonomous vehicle comprising: a warning device physically connected tothe autonomous vehicle; and a control system comprising one or moreprocessors configured to: obtaining data indicative of a vehicle stopmaneuver for the autonomous vehicle; based on the data indicative of thevehicle stop maneuver, identifying a warning device of the autonomousvehicle for deployment; determining a timing and a position fordeploying the warning device of the autonomous vehicle; and providingone or more command signals to initiate the deployment of the warningdevice of the autonomous vehicle in accordance with the timing and theposition, wherein the warning device remains physically connected to theautonomous vehicle while deployed.
 40. The autonomous vehicle of claim39, wherein the vehicle stop maneuver comprises a deceleration and astop of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the deployment of the warningdevice of the autonomous vehicle is initiated during the deceleration orafter the stop of the autonomous vehicle.